From the Desk of Fr. RonA most valuable time in my life was the first two years that were dedicated toward spiritual formation when I was entering the Discalced Carmelite Monastic Community. Being quite a verbal person as well as a massively scheduled one, the main challenge that was overwhelming me was learning the value of silently “being with” verses “doing for.” Somehow expressing care and concern by providing for others trumped just being with them in my life. I had to learn that my life was of value even if I didn’t give anyone a reason to value me. I was being challenged to value the state of being a human “being” rather than a human “doing.” The biblical lessons for this weekend confirm that graced reality. In Genesis 18, Abraham shows incredible hospitality and is rewarded by the announcement of a miracle blessing, “I will surely return to you about this time next year,and Sarah will then have a son” Genesis 18:10. Of course they were both in the autumn of life and Sarah was thought to be “barren” but how is that a stumbling block for God. In the Gospel of Luke these two contrasting ways of showing love and hospitality are witnessed in the attention given by Jesus’ both friends, Martha and Mary. “Mary has chosen the better partand it will not be taken from her” Luke 10:42. Summertime provides us with more opportunity than other times of the year to just “be” with one another. Let us take the time to receive the blessings that come from attending to each other by our presence and “being with” one another.

WELCOME BACK… This week we have welcomed back Fr. Daniel from his vacation in both Rome and Nigeria, and Fr. Mark from his studies in Brooklyn, NY. Fr. Daniel will resume his ministries among our three parishes. I have been informed from the clergy personnel office that Fr. Mark will remain in residence with us at Nativity for a few weeks but soon will receive a new ministry assignment within our Diocese. We thank Fr. Mark for accepting the challenge of working on our ministry team for this past year and pray for his success in his next assignment.

RACE RELATIONS/HOLY CONVERSATION…. We realize that many are angry. We realize many are afraid, thus the need to come together for some “Holy Conversation” on the reality of race relationships. The parishes of Nativity and St. Martin de Porres are organizing a Conversation on Race Relations which will be held on Wednesday, July 20, from 6:30-8:30PM in the parish cafeteria of St. Aloysius Parish community, 157 Cleveland Drive, Buffalo, NY 14215. When parking behind the school building, utilize the “Blue Door” lettered “G” and follow the signs to the cafeteria. We hope and pray that by coming together in mutual respect that we may increase our understanding and be part of a wider solution for our local community.

MASS TIME ADJUSTMENT…. Last year when we began with three clergy on our multi-parish team, members of the 12Noon Mass requested to return to the 10am scheduled time. Due to future staff changes, financial considerations, and the inability of our parish priests to accommodate the 10am Mass time, beginning August 7th, the 10:00AM Mass will again return to 12:00Noon. We are sorry for the needed change but necessity requires it. Thank You.

WELCOME GLENN HUFNAGEL….. We are most pleased to welcome to our Music Ministry Teams Mr. Glenn Hufnagel. In the past Glenn has been the music minister at St. Columba Brigid and most recently at St. Benedicts in Eggertsville. We welcome Glenn who will be our Sunday Music Minister as well as help out on occasions at the Saturday afternoon Liturgies. Welcome!